Mount Hood - Oregon Highpoint

Mount Hood - Oregon Highpoint is a 7 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Mt Hood, Oregon and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking and rock climbing and is best used from May until July.

DISTANCE

7.0 miles

ELEVATION GAIN

5236 feet

ROUTE TYPE

Out & Back

hiking

rock climbing

snow

no dogs

I just return from the summit of Mt. Hood, is great mountain to climb but do not be deceived the last half a mile to summit is very technical....you make on mistake it may be the last.
If you want to summit leave at 1:00 am.
be safe.

I climbed it with 30+ mph winds - probably not the best idea :-)And so I strongly recommend waiting for a good weather conditions to go there: calm, just below freezing temperature, no clouds, etc.Also start early - 2 am or so, to be on the summit before 8 am (when snow starts to warm up and melt)

Ascent via South Side / Old Chute (i.e. nothing crazy). Climbing Oregon's tallest mountain = awesome! Doing it in a low snow year = tougher than expected. Definitely one of the biggest challenges I've ever had considering the overall length of the climb, the fumaroles and the currently very steep chute / gate final ascent. Took us a little over 5 hours up with a moderate alpine start and down just in time to maintain a decent snow footing. Obviously great views up top though not a place I'd want to be in anything but great conditions!

Totally awesome and wonderfully nerve racking. First technical climb for me and as I drive down to government camp with hood in the rear view mirror I knew I'd just done something amazing. Recommend a guide (timberline guides) if you've never climbed before.